First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #6
Psa 56:1-13. Simplicity means purity (2Co 11:3). Double-mindedness is the opposite of single-mindedness (Jam 1:8). "As" and "so" gives balance and clarity to the christian life. How can we find it? Col 2:6 says that our Christian walk is as simple as we received Him -- by Faith through Grace. The Greek "paralambano" mean receive a gift (Rom 10:17, Rom 6:23, 1Jo 5:11-12). "So walk" links to the past but also to what we possess (Rom 8:29-30, Joh 1:12, 2Co 5:17). "Look to the Rock from which you are cut" (Isa 51:1). "So walk in Him" is future. If we're trying to live the Christian life, we're not. "...If righteousness comes through the law, Christ died in vain" (Gal 2:21). Philosophy can rob us (Col 2:8). Rules and regulations don't make us spiritual (Col 2:21-23). (1) walk in fellowship (Eph 2:10, 1Jo 1:7, Amo 3:3); (2) walk in imitation of Christ (Eph 4:1) worthy means "equal weight"; we are called Christian and to that we are to walk worthy (1Co 11:1); (3) We are to walk in the power of the Spirit (Eph 5:1-2) in order to "walk in love" (Gal 5:16-22); (4) "Walk in the light" means to walk in obedience to the Word of God (Eph 5:8);
Scripture References: Colossians 2:21-23, Galatians 5:16-22, Romans 6:23, Colossians 2:8, Ephesians 5:1-2, Romans 10:17, Galatians 2:21, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 2:6, Isaiah 51:1, Amos 3:3, James 1:8, John 1:12, John 1:7, Psalms 56:1-13, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 5:8, John 5:11-12
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.